Chess Solving Takes Root in Ichalkaranji

On October 20, Ichalkaranji, Kolhapur, hosted the second edition of the Ken Chess Solving Cup, building on an initiative launched just a month earlier. With each edition, the aim is to introduce more enthusiasts to the fascinating world of chess solving, foster analytical thinking, and cultivate a vibrant community of solvers across Kolhapur district in Maharashtra. Featuring separate categories for experienced participants and novices, the event marked another small but significant step towards establishing a lasting tradition of chess solving in the region.

The Open section featured ten positions, comprising six chess problems and four studies. Each position carried five points for a correct and complete solution, giving participants a maximum possible score of 50 points. Tanmay Pawar and Atharv Tavare emerged as the joint 1st–2nd prize winners, each scoring 25 points out of 50. Siddhesh Vadde Vinayak secured third place with 14.5 points, followed by siblings Abhash and Abheeshu Patil, who scored 12 points apiece.

Think you can outsolve the winners? Now’s your chance to prove it! Here are all the Cat 1 puzzles from the Ken Chess Solving Cup. Download the set, put your solving skills to the test, and then check the solutions. How many can you crack?

The top three finishers displayed commendable accuracy, scoring 100% on the positions they attempted. However, they managed to properly tackle only around half of the ten positions, suggesting that the 150-minute time limit posed a significant challenge.

Tanmay Pawar, who made a strong impression in the inaugural edition, continued his fine form at the second Ken Chess Solving Cup, sharing the top honours in the Open section.

Born in 2011, Atharv Tavare matched Tanmay's overall score but arrived at it differently. While Tanmay excelled in the problems, solving five of the six correctly, Atharv struck a better balance, solving four problems and one study to share the top honours.

Born in 2013, Siddesh Vadde Vinayak secured third place with 14.5 points, making him the youngest among the Open section's top three finishers.

The second category, designed for juniors and relatively less experienced solvers, attracted a larger field. Although the level of difficulty was considerably lower than in the Open section, the results suggested plenty of room for improvement. With six positions to solve in 90 minutes, only one participant, Avanish Jitkar, managed to score 50% of the available points. Four participants — Neha Hattalage, Samruddhi Khatod, Harsh Madnaik, and Shivansh Sutar — shared second to fifth place, each scoring 10 points.

Born in 2016, Avanish Jitkar clinched the clear first prize in the second category with a commendable 15 points.

Visibly delighted, Avanish expressed his gratitude for organising such an event. A regular participant in the chess-solving webinars we conduct, he is a youngster to look forward to in the upcoming International Solving Contest.

I was very happy to participate in the Chess Puzzle Solving Tournament. It was a wonderful and exciting experience for me. I enjoyed solving different chess puzzles. Some puzzles were difficult, but I tried my best to find the correct moves. I would like to thank the organizers for arranging such a wonderful tournament and giving young chess players like me this great opportunity. Thank you!

— Avanish Jitkar

Here are all the puzzles from Category 2 of the event. Download the puzzle sheet here and find the solutions here.

A Shout-Out to Ken Chess Academy and the Lions Club of Ichalkaranji

The event was made possible with the support of the Lions Club of Ichalkaranji, which provided the venue for the competition. Rohit Pol, head of Ken Chess Academy, took the initiative to bring participants together and organise the event, contributing to the broader effort to promote chess solving in India and inspire more enthusiasts to explore this fascinating discipline.

Rohit Pol (left) with Krishnavatar Bharadia, Project President, Lions Club of Ichalkaranji.

Photos From The Day

We leave you with some glimpses from the 2nd Ken Chess Solving Cup, held on the afternoon of October 20, from 3:30 pm to 6 pm at the Late Balasaheb Datye Blood Centre, Datye Mala, Ichalkaranji. Here are a few moments that capture the spirit of the event and the enthusiasm of the participants.

Inspired to bring chess solving to your city?

If you would like to organise a similar event in your area and help promote the culture of chess solving, please get in touch with us at chesskala64@gmail.com. We would be happy to hear from you and support efforts to bring more people into the fascinating world of chess solving.